Owning the best watch doesn’t have to be expensive. There are currently a lot of options available in the market that don’t necessarily break the bank. With thousands of brands out there, it can be quite difficult to find a watch that is well worth the money. There are unknown brands that promise a lot, but if you do not know what to look for, you may end up with a disappointing low-quality product.

Fortunately for those with a budget of just under $200, we have compiled the best watches to buy in 2018. The list includes watches from well-known brands and some watches from a brand that you may not have heard of before. Suffice it to say, we have only included watches that can stand the test of time (pun intended) and those that are great value for money.

The watches on the list include different styles that fit different people. From smartwatches, formal watches, outdoor watches, and even true diver’s watches. We have sifted through the clutter and have chosen only the best pieces from the thousands of watches under $200.

The Reliable Diver’s Watch

Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Watch

Quick Specs

Eco-Drive Powered by Light (Solar Batteries)

Mineral Crystal Display

Reliable Japanese-quartz Movement

43mm Case Diameter

Dive-ready – Water Resistant To 200m (660 ft)

Aluminum Unidirectional Diver’s Timing Bezel

Polyurethane Band with Diving No-decompression Limits

Date Function at 4 o’clock

Why We Like It:

The Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster is a true diver’s watch that doesn’t cost thousands of dollars. It can get the job done just as well as any other diver’s watch that costs three or four times as much.

The Tokyo-based watchmaker, founded in 1930, is a company known for its excellent craftsmanship and quality. The company’s core mindset lives on until today and is evident in its ISO-compliant diver’s watch, the Eco-Drive Promaster Diver. The watch itself features the company’s revolutionary Eco-Drive technology. Watches sporting the company’s proprietary solar tech will never need their batteries changed. Sunlight and other light sources power the built-in solar batteries. These watches can even run for months even when stored in the dark. Among the company’s different products, the BN0151-09L Promaster Diver Watch stands out. Aside from its very affordable price, the watch packs a lot of tech for even the most discerning of watch enthusiasts.

Citizen crafted this watch using only the most durable materials. The watch features a beautifully designed steel case with a uni-directional rotating bezel. The Promaster Diver Watch also sports very thick hands a top-quality engraving, making it very easy to read even under water. Speaker of being underwater, the Promaster Diver’s Watch is water resistant up to 200 meters. It’s mineral crystal display also ensures that the watch can survive serious abuse.

Pros

Solar batteries never need replacement

Reliable Japanese movement

High-quality materials

ISO-certified diver’s watch

Cons

Stiff watch strap

Not as stylish as more expensive models

Conclusion

The watch itself is a great product for serious divers that also want a watch for everyday use. Given its sub $200 price tag, the Promaster Diver is definitely a product to consider.

Expensive looks without the expensive price tag

Michael Kors Bradshaw Two-Tone Watch

Quick Specs

Stylish Silver and Gold-tone

Date Window and Three Chronograph Subdials

43 mm Stainless Steel Case

Mineral Dial Window

Quartz Movement

Water Resistant up to 100m (330 ft)

High-quality Deployment Clasp Design

Why We Like It:

The Michael Kors Two-Tone Bradshaw looks expensive. Despite costing just under $200, the watch sports quality materials and craftsmanship. For the price, you get a designer brand watch that looks and feels premium.

Michael Kors currently offers a myriad of quality watches at very reasonable prices. One of its classic products is the Michael Kors Bradshaw Two-Tone Watch MK5976. The watch is a stunning addition to the designer brand’s product lineup. The watch sports a stylish and luxurious design that includes stainless steel and gold plating. Most people who see it for the first time will likely think that the watch costs thousands of dollars. However, the beautifully designed watch is actually just under $200. Despite its low price point, the watch is heavy, which adds a durable and solid feel to it.

The Michael Kors Two-Tone Bradshaw incorporates a cheap but reliable Japanese quartz movement. While it might not be as ultra accurate as Swiss movements, it does get the job done. It is also very easy to maintain and fix. The quartz movement also includes a Chronograph function, which may be very useful for some users. The watch also features a high-quality deployment clasp with push button release, adding to its quality feel. The Michael Kors Bradshaw is water resistant up to a 100m. The watch can withstand some recreational water sports. This includes swimming, sailing, and snorkeling. However, the watch may not be suitable for deep diving.

Pros

Stylish and expensive design

Reliable Japanese movement with chronograph

Quality push-button deployment clasp

Water resistant up to 100m

Cons

Lack of luminosity feature

Date display placement

Conclusion

The Michael Kors Bradshaw is perfect for those who are looking for a watch that is inexpensive but makes them look like a million bucks. The beautifully designed watch will feel right at home at any formal event or during a night out.

An affordable Swiss classic watch with a great history

Movado Museum Black

Quick Specs

Swiss Quartz Movement

39mm Case Diameter

Leather Watch Band

Sapphire Crystal Display

Stainless Steel Case and Buckle

Water Resistant up to 30m (99 ft)

Why We Like It:

The Movado Museum is a unique timepiece paying homage to a classic design with a rich history. For less than $200, you get a beautifully designed Swiss-made watch that brings with it decades of artistry and craftsmanship.

The Movado brand has been around since 1881, but most people probably haven’t heard of it until today. Achille Ditesheim founded the company in Switzerland. The company has been making pocket watches and mechanical movements. After 136 years, the company still continues to produce great timepieces. This of course includes the recently released Movado Museum Black Stainless Steel Watch. The classy timepiece pays homage to the original watch created by artist Nathan George Horwitt. The original watch, made in 1947, was so stunning that the Museum of Modern Art in New York included it as part of their watch collection. This is mainly how the watch itself got its name.

The Movado Museum is a minimalistic watch without any markers apart from a single dot placed at the 12 o’clock position. According to its maker, the dot represented the sun at its highest point. Vacheron & Constantin-Le Coultre Watches original built the original models. Movado eventually built a product with a similar design. They even paid the artist for the rights to produce it.

Given its rich history, one might expect the Movado Museum to cost thousands of dollars. However, due to modern manufacturing techniques, mass production, and its simple design, the new Movado Museum is now just under $200. Despite its reasonable price, the watch still commands a lot of respect amongst watch enthusiasts given its history.

Pros

Elegant and unique design

Reliable Swiss movement

Swiss build and quality

Water resistant

Cons

Impractical and hard to read for non-analog users

Lack of functions

No markers, second hand, and date

Conclusion

With its lack of markers and even a second hand, the Movado Museum may not be for casual users. Enthusiasts and collectors who have an interest in the history of watchmaking may want to add this particular watch to their collection. The watch itself is very unique and will undoubtedly start a lot of conversations. It is beautifully designed and built with Swiss quality. For under $200, the Movado Museum is a relative steal.

The toughest outdoor watch you can buy under $200

Casio G-Shock Mudmaster Twin Sensor

Quick Specs

56mm Case Diameter

Shock, Dust, Sand, and Mud Resistant

Water Resistant up to 200m (660 ft)

Built-in Compass and Thermometer

Super Illuminator, LED Backlight

31 Time Zones, Countdown Timer, and Stop Watch

Lithium-Ion Battery

Why We Like It:

The Casio G-Shock Twin Sensor can take any kind of abuse in any situation and can look good doing it. Much cheaper than its G-Shock GWG-1000 siblings, the Twin Sensor still sports the same tough build and quality.

Casio’s G-Shock line-up is one of the toughest watches available in the market to date; more so with its Mudmaster GG-1000 series lineup. Casio uses the highest quality materials and manufacturing processes to make these watches. This means that the watches can withstand all types of extreme situations. This includes wet, hot, cold, and extremely muddy conditions. To make the watches affordable to most consumers, Casio has released the smaller G-Shock Mudmaster GG-1000 Twin Sensor. This watch is slightly smaller than the G-Shock GWG-1000 series, albeit larger than most watches.

Similar to its larger sibling, the Mudmaster GG-1000 sports the same quality and durability. The GG-1000 does lack some of the features of its bigger sibling, like an altimeter and barometer. However, the two built-in sensors should still be useful for outdoor enthusiasts. Unlike other “tough watches,” the G-Shock series stands up to its user’s expectations. The tactical watch has been purpose-built to withstand extreme conditions and the toughest of situations.

The watch is, of course, more suitable for professionals such as rescue workers and outdoor enthusiasts. However, it can still be a useful tool to wear for regular people. The buttons are relatively easy to operate and most people will likely find no problems using the different features.

Pros

Extremely tough and durable

Built-in Thermometer and Compass

Water, Dust, Shock, and Sand Proof

Water Resistant up to 200m (660 ft)

Cons

Might be too large for some wrists

No Altitude and Barometric sensors

Conclusion

The Casio G-Shock GG-1000 Mudmaster Twin Sensor can withstand anything that you put it through and will look good while doing it. At just under $200, you will undoubtedly find it very hard to find a better product that can take a beating. The watch can endure knocks, dings, scratches, mud, and other extreme conditions. The watch is confidence-inspiring and you can be sure that will do its jobs whether in the air, on land, or at sea.

An exquisite nautical must-have timepiece

Bulova Marine Star Chronograph

Quick Specs

43mm Case Diameter

Stainless Steel Case and Bracelet

Bulova Quartz Chronograph Movement

Water Resistant up to 100m (330 ft)

Mineral Crystal Display

Blue Metallic Sunburst Dial

Index Marks with Lume Feature

Why We Like It:

While not a “true” diver’s watch, the Bulova Marine Star is still a sight to behold. The watch’s beautiful sunburst dial is pleasing to look at and the chronograph adds functionality to those who know how to use it.

The Bulova Marine Star Chronograph is a beautifully designed timepiece with a diver’s watch look. The modern styling and nautical themes are evident in the watch’s stunning deep blue face, which makes it stand out on anyone’s wrist. The watch itself is a perfect blend of stainless steel and marine blue colors, which feature a metallic sunburst effect. Accompanied by white markers, orange accents, and lumes, the watch will undoubtedly turn heads.

Bulova is an American watch brand founded in 1875. Citizen Watch Co. bought the company in 2008. The Marine Star is one of its long-running brands, which retains the company’s long history of quality watchmaking. The Bulova Marine Star Chronograph sports 3 extra subdials arranged symmetrically. All of the watch’s elements offer a design that looks absolutely sharp and modern.

While the watch may be more suitable to wear during more formal and casual occasions, the Bulova Marine Star Chronograph can take some abuse. The company has designed the timepiece as a diver’s watch, but suffice it to say that it might be safer to leave it at home during actual dives. The watch currently doesn’t sport a screw down crown and pushers, which means that it might not be able to survive immense pressures. The watch is however waterproof up to 100m, which means that it usable in activities such as swimming, sailing, and snorkeling.

Pros

Beautiful and elegant design

Attractive metallic blue watch face

Chronograph quartz movement with 1/10th seconds

Water Resistant up to 100m (330 ft)

Cons

No screw down crown and pushers

Not recommended for deep diving

Mineral Crystal Display

Conclusion

Stunning looks at an affordable price, the Bulova Marine Star Chronograph is great value for money. Its stunning metallic blue dial and nautical design are sure to turn heads during any occasion.

Best Smartwatch you can buy under $200

Samsung Gear S3 Frontier

Quick Specs

46mm Case Diameter

Rotating Steel Bezel Controller

3-inch Super AMOLED Display

Exynos 7270 Processor with 4GB of built-in Storage

Smartphone Notifications, LTE Connectivity

Built-in Barometer, Altimeter, GPS, and Heart Rate Monitor

Compatible with iOS and Android

380mAh Lithium-ion Battery

MIL-SPEC-810G – Water, Dust, Temperature, Shock, Scratch Resistant

Why We Like It:

Feature-packed and with a design that is big and heavy, the Gear S3 is perfect for outdoor and tech enthusiasts alike. With built-in sensors and various activity tracking apps, this watch is the perfect companion for your next adventure.

The third iteration of Samsung’s flagship smartwatches packs quite a punch, in terms of features and design. With built-in LTE connectivity and GPS, the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier promises users a truly untethered experience. All of the watch’s technology is inside a beautifully designed case that is pretty durable. In fact, the watch comes with a MIL-SPEC-810G rating, which means that it can withstand drops of about 5 feet. The watch is also fully water, dust, and temperature resistant. Gorilla Glass protects the clear 1.3-inch AMOLED display.

The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier looks like a proper smartwatch encased in stainless steel. Its design is simple and subdued, but it’s still quite attractive when compared to its competition. The watch’s rotating bezel also functions as a controller for users to sift through their apps. Those familiar with the Android ecosystem will have no problems navigating through the watch’s operating system. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the watch’s plethora of sensors. These built-in sensors work together with different fitness apps to provide users with vital data. The watch sports built-in sensors such as an altimeter, barometer, GPS, and a heart rate monitor. These sensors and the different available apps are able to track different sports activities. This includes cycling, running, trekking, skiing, and other extreme sports.

With its onboard 4G LTE radio, users can leave their smartphones behind. The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is a true untethered smartwatch. Users can make calls, send messages, and receive different social media notifications even without their smartphones. AT&T customers have the advantage of having the same number of their smartwatch as their regular smartphone. This means that they will never miss any calls or messages during their outdoor escapades.

Pros

Sturdy and Well Built (MIL-SPEC-810G rating)

Built-in 4G LTE connectivity

Multiple Sensors (Altimeter, Barometer, and Heart Rate Monitor)

User-friendly Operating System

Great Activity Tracking Features

Cons

Might be too large for some

Limited Apps

Conclusion

For just under $200, people looking for the perfect smartwatch to bring on their next adventure can never go wrong with the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier. With all the bells and whistles of a true sports tracking smartwatch, coupled with 4G LTE connectivity, the Gear S3 is the perfect tool for the job.

A Stylish Smartwatch without the Smartwatch Look

Fossil Q Machine Hybrid Smartwatch

Quick Specs

45mm Case Diameter

Water Resistant up to 30m (100 ft)

Compatible with iOS and Android

Smartphone Notifications

Activity, Calorie, and Sleep Tracking

Music and Camera Control

Why We Like It:

The Fossil Q Machine blends the best features of smartwatches and the elegant look of traditional timepieces. The watch is likely the perfect bridge between both worlds. This means that it will be perfect for those who are looking for a traditional watch with smartwatch functionality.

Fossil has been a big player in the smartwatch industry over the past couple of years and has thus far released a number of desirable products. The company currently is competing with other traditional watch brands such as Skagen, Diesel, and Michael Kors. The latest product from the company is the new Fossil Q Machine. This watch is unlike others that have come before it as it does try to look like a traditional wristwatch.

The traditional timepiece-looking smartwatch sports a number of features that should prove useful to tech enthusiast. The watch doesn’t have a full color LED display like other smartwatches. Instead, the Fossil Q Machine has a smaller dial at the bottom of the watch face that serves different purposes. The small dial can show date markings, alarm, alerts, and an alternate time zone.

Unlike other smartwatches, the Fossil Q Machine is quite thin at only 13mm thick. This is slimmer than other hybrid smartwatches in the market. Combined with its distinct look and fully swappable watch straps, the Fossil Q Machine is a perfect fit for any occasion.

Pros

Activity and Sleep Tracking

Traditional Watch Design

Music and Camera Control

Excellent battery life

Cons

Limited to Fossil App

Smartphone needed to view notifications

Conclusion

The Fossil Q Machine looks like an ordinary watch, but underneath it sports a myriad of features that elevate its usefulness. Priced at just under $200, the watch is a great buy for those who are looking for a timepiece with smartwatch features that they can wear anywhere.

The Perfect Timepiece for Divers on a Budget

Orient Ray II Diver’s Watch

Quick Specs

5mm Case diameter

Orient Caliber F6922 Automatic Movement

40 Hour Power Reserve

Hand Winding and Hacking Features

120-click Unidirectional Bezel

Screw-down Crown

Water Resistant up to 200m (660 ft)

Day and Date Display

Why We Like It:

The Orient Ray II offers users quite a lot for such as low price. The watch is a true diver’s watch complete with a screw-down crown and a screw-lock caseback. These features allow the watch to withstand immense pressure without water seeping in. The inexpensive mechanical diver’s watch is definitely a product to consider for serious divers who are on a tight budget.

Originally founded in 1950, Orient Watch has produced millions of watches over the years. The company also has a wide range of products from luxury watches to dive watches. One of the more recent additions to the company’s impressive portfolio of products is the Orient Ray II. The target market for this particular authentic dive watch is the low to mid-range market. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that it is low quality. On the contrary, the Orient Ray II is probably one of the best mechanical diver’s watches in the market in terms of quality and value.

Built with its user in the mind, the Orient Ray II can take a lot of beating. In fact, the watch is water resistant up to 200 meters, way deeper than most divers would dare to go. Water ingress into the watch is likely impossible in spite of high pressures thanks to its screw down crown. The watch does all of this while also looking impeccable. Its deep blue dial sports a reflective star-burst pattern that makes it look very high-end.

Orient also makes all of their watch movements in-house. The Orient Caliber F6922 Automatic movement found in the Orient Ray II is accurate and shouldn’t disappoint users. Additionally, the movement features hand winding and hacking. This should prove useful to those who absolutely need to have timekeeping accuracy.

Pros

Quality Automatic Movement

Hand Winding and Hacking Features

Excellent for Diving and Water Sports

Fairly Inexpensive

Cons

No Large Diameter Option

Mineral Crystal instead of Sapphire

Conclusion

The Orient Ray II is a great product with even greater value. At this price point, buyers will never go wrong with an Orient. Great dial design, accurate movement, and quality build make the Ray II a must have for diver’s on a budget.

The Best Entry-level Mechanical Military Watch

Seiko 5 Automatic – SNK809

Quick Specs

37mm Case Diameter

Seiko Caliber 7S26 Automatic Movement

40-hour Power Reserve

Hardlex Crystal Display

Arabic Numeral Minute Markers with Luminous Hands

Water Resistance up to 30m (100 ft)

Black Canvas Strap

Why We Like It:

The Seiko 5 Automatic SNK809 is a utilitarian watch with a simple design. The affordable timepiece is robust and sports a high-performance movement that accurately keeps time. All of its features make it a great entry-level watch for those who want to try out automatic timepieces.

The Seiko 5 Automatic SNK809 is a simple and attractive military watch. It is also quite affordable and is a good entry-level product for enthusiasts who want to try owning a mechanical watch. The allure of the watch mostly comes from its simple design and classic looks. The watch is also quite versatile and is a great match for any outfit. While it may not be a watch for more formal occasions, the watch can prove to be a great daily driver for most other situations.

Given Seiko’s track record of producing high-quality timepieces, the SNK809 is quite durable. The watch sports a case made of stainless steel and a display made of Hardlex mineral. The best part about the watch is, of course, its original Seiko Caliber 7S26 automatic movement. The movement features 21 jewels and is quite precise in keeping the time. The mechanical timepiece also features an exhibition case at the back, which lets users see the movement in action.

The watch can even last for up to 40 hours when put on display or when not worn. The watch face also features a minimalist design that includes luminescent hands and Arabic number hour markers. There is also a day and date display at the 3 o’clock position. The SNK809 comes with a black canvas strap that is interchangeable with any other 18mm-lug straps. This essentially allows users to transform the watch to fit any situation or outfit. The Seiko 5 Automatic SNK809 is water resistant up to 30 meters, which means that it can endure dips in the water and other water-related activities.

Pros

Quality Automatic Movement

Simple and Minimalistic Design

Versatile and Inexpensive

Quality Build and Materials

Cons

Canvas Strap could be better

Not Fit for Formal Occasions

Conclusion

The Seiko SNK809 is a must-have watch for lovers of mechanical timepieces. Given its inexpensive price, there really is no reason not to get it. Especially for those who want to have a quality automatic wristwatch that they can wear every day.

The Best Dedicated Fitness Tracker under $200

Fitbit Charge 3

Quick Specs

Activity and Sleep Tracking

Call and Text Alerts

Heart Rate Monitor

Smartphone Notifications

Water Resistant up to 50m (165 ft)

Touchscreen OLED Display

Compatible with Android and iOS

Why We Like It:

Unlike other fitness tracking bands, which are bulky and expensive, the Fitbit Charge 3 is light and fairly affordable. It is currently one of the best fitness tracking watches within its price point.

The Fitbit Charge 3 is a big improvement from its predecessor, the Fitbit Charge 2. The dedicated fitness tracker features a sharper screen, increased waterproofing, and a longer battery life. Compared to its competitors, the fitness tracker is also quite inexpensive. Despite its low price, the Charge 3 still packs a lot of punch in terms of its fitness-related features. One of the major changes with the new version is a bigger monochrome OLED touchscreen. The screen also sports a higher resolution that its predecessor. The bigger screen allows for more details to fit into the display, including smartphone notifications.

The entire body is still made of aluminum and now comes with a water resistance rating of up to 50 meters. This allows users to utilize the watch in different water sports and activities such as swimming and sailing. In fact, the watch includes more than 15 exercise modes that include activities such as biking, running, circuit training, and yoga. The Fitbit Charge 3 also provides a number of very useful fitness information to its users. This includes REM sleep data, activity trends, time spent in light, health insights, and advanced heart rate data. One feature that is particularly interesting is the watch’s Sp02 sensor. This sensor tracks a user’s peripheral capillary oxygen saturation. It basically estimates the amount of oxygen in the blood, which can be very useful to track different conditions.

The Fitbit Charge 3 also functions as a smartwatch and is compatible with Android and iOS smartphones. Users can stay connected throughout the day and get their smartphone notifications. This includes notifications such as weather, incoming calls and texts, and even social media alerts. What is even more impressive is that the watch does all of this without running out of battery at the end of the date. Even when using the heart rate monitor and pairing it with a smartphone, the watch can last up to 7 days on a single charge.

Pros

Sporty design

Smartwatch Features

Long Battery Life

Multiple Fitness Modes

Heart Rate Monitor

Cons

No GPS, LTE

Proprietary Charger

Conclusion

The Fitbit Charge 3 is one of the best fitness trackers available and at a price point that doesn’t break the bank. With a slew of fitness apps and sport modes, the Charge 3 is a must have for fitness and sports enthusiasts.